Hereford Sixth Form College students have had the highest ever rate of success in their applications to Oxford and Cambridge universities.

31 students, 42% of those who applied, received offers, compared with the national average where fewer than 20% of those who apply get offers. Two students were from Ross-on-Wye.

This is amongst the highest figures in the country for either state or independent schools. For a small rural county this is a phenomenal achievement.

Emma Robinson, a Ross-on-Wye resident, received an offer to study English at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge. Emma said: “I never considered applying to Cambridge until I opened my exam results in the summer, so it has been a crazy fast turnaround, and now I’m coming to process the fact I’m going to study English for three years, let alone that I’m going to Cambridge."

Students have been offered places on a variety of courses such as Maths, PPE, Classics, English, Modern Languages and two for Medicine: one Oxford, one Cambridge. The sciences have been a particular success.

Three students have been offered places to study Chemistry at Oxford, and three to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge, which demonstrates the calibre of the College’s able students and the quality of the STEM subjects. Elite athlete, Harriet Castle, had her Oxford interview for Japanese whilst in Venice competing in Karate for Wales! One student has gained a place on the ‘Opportunity Oxford’ scheme that supports students from under represented backgrounds. This is a unique opportunity for one of the College’s brightest students.

Students who are considering applying for Oxbridge have access to the College’s flagship programme ‘Reach’, which creates a community of the most able. These weekly sessions support 200 of the most academic students with excellent teaching and guidance. With this bespoke support, Hereford Sixth Form students are able to maximise their potential and pilot their own futures, whether that may be at universities or degree apprenticeships.

Dylan Taylor-Bloodworth, who travels from Ross-on-Wye to study at Hereford Sixth Form College, has received an offer at the University of Oxford to study Theology and Philosophy. Dylan said: “I’m very shocked and surprised. I have received incredible support from all of my teachers. My philosophy teacher even gave me a mock interview - thank you Mrs Long.”

Hereford Sixth Form College students excelled in their admissions tests and challenging interviews, showing the academic curiosity and independent learning skills so valued by these universities. The College’s close links with Christ’s College, Cambridge, and Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, provide regular support for students. Students also have opportunities to apply for learning opportunities only open to the maintained sector, such as UNIQ, Villiers Park, and the Sutton Trust summer schools. With access to personal statement workshops, practice interviews, and application support, students feel more confident in their ability.

Peter Cooper, Principal of Hereford Sixth Form College, is extremely proud of the students’ record breaking success. He said: “I want to congratulate all the students, the wonderful staff who teach them and our brilliant Reach team for their fantastic efforts. It gives me great pride that Hereford and its surrounding areas punch so far above their weight at a national level. Most public schools will be envious of what our College community has achieved."